The Graston Technique is a manual therapy that uses a specific set of stainless-steel tools to gently massage the skin. Physical therapists can include this therapy as part of their treatment to alleviate pain associated with connective tissues, muscles, chronic conditions, or injuries. This versatile and science-based technique mobilizes the soft tissues to create fast and lasting results. Most patients receive two treatments per week and can notice relief around the third session.
Benefits of the Graston Technique include:
- Pain relief
- Range of motion increase
- Cellular activity and blood flow boost
It can also reduce your need to take anti-inflammatory medications. Whether your pain is acute or chronic, or your medical professional uses the Graston Technique as part of post-surgical rehabilitation, it can make a positive difference in helping you perform daily tasks.
Your physical therapist first performs a thorough examination and review of your medical history, but treatment time with the Graston Technique usually lasts four to five weeks.
Scar Tissue
The way your body repairs soft tissues injury and creates scar tissue can lead to various health concerns, including nervous system sensitization and limited movement. The Graston Technique can address these issues and help your tissues get back to a healthier state.
The Graston Technique can address the following type of scars:
- Post-surgical
- Post-mastectomy
- Post-Caesarean
- Post-trauma
Your physical therapist uses ergonomic instruments to rub over and around the targeted area. They adjust the movements and pressure as you progress through the treatment. This friction helps gradually break down scar tissue, which reduces your pain and increases your ability to move comfortably.
Chronic Pain
The Graston Technique can be a powerful therapy to manage chronic pain. It can even eliminate it in certain situations. The goal of this manual therapy is to help you live pain-free, and the way its ergonomic instruments can improve your tissues can increase your mobility and allow you to be physically active more comfortably and safely.
Chronic conditions the Graston Technique can treat include:
- Ankle pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Hip pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Rotator cuff tendinitis
- Trigger finger
This type of physical therapy can be especially useful for chronic joint pain, but it can also address other health conditions like fibromyalgia.
Injuries
If you need physical therapy to recover from an injury, the Graston Technique can accelerate your rehabilitation. It can help with musculoskeletal issues as well as injuries affecting soft and connective tissues. Thanks to the specialized stainless-steel instruments and its massage technique, this form of therapy can help you do the activities you love in only a few weeks.
The Graston Technique can treat injuries such as:
- Cervical Sprain
- Lumbar strain
- Hamstring injuries
- Knee injuries
- Repeated stress injuries
- Pulled muscles
Medical providers can also include the Graston Technique as part of physical conditioning for athletes to minimize the risk of sports injuries and support quick recovery after training or competitions.
Pre-Surgery Preparation and Post-Op Rehabilitation
The Graston Technique can be part of your pre-surgery conditioning regimen. Your medical provider may recommend you see a physical therapist for the weeks leading up to your procedure. This can help prevent your current problem from getting worse and help you meet any prerequisite your surgeon may ask for, such as being able to perform certain movements.
Physical therapists can also incorporate the Graston Technique during your post-operative rehabilitation. Its typical goals include pain reduction, muscle building, mobility improvement, and flexibility increase. The Graston Technique can help you continue daily activities such as walking, running, or swimming, or be able to perform them again more quickly.
Are you looking for a qualified physical therapist in Middlesex County? Contact ProFysio Physical Therapy today at (732) 812-5200 to schedule an appointment!